The locomotives, featuring new diesel engines that meet Tier 4 emission standards, will be designed and manufactured by MotivePower at its Boise, Idaho, facility and are expected to be delivered beginning in 2016, Wabtec said.

The project follows a previous order from Metrolinx to repower 11 locomotives (such as pictured above left) with the same advanced configuration, Wabtec noted. Metrolinx is an agency of Ontario province, and the regional transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including GO Transit regional rail service.

The locomotives will be powered by twin engines that meet Tier 4 emission standards, as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new engine technology will reduce diesel particulate emissions by about 85% and nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by about 75% compared with current models, the company said. The twin-engine solution provides for both redundancy of major systems and flexibility of operation during off-peak periods, where running just one of the two engines can provide significant fuel savings on shorter trains.

The locomotives also will include MotivePower's Central Diagnostic System, which provides remote diagnostic and health monitoring capabilities so that Metrolinx can proactively identify maintenance and operational needs. Other Wabtec units will supply control systems, event recorders, brake shoes, aftercoolers, and radiators for the locomotives, the company said.

Wabtec Chairman and CEO Albert J. Neupaver said, "As new environmental standards are phased in over the next several years, MotivePower is well positioned to participate in this market by offering environmental and operational performance upgrades for new and existing diesel-electric commuter locomotives throughout North America."